Nestled within the quaint town of Alexandria, Minnesota, lies an enigmatic artifact that has captivated the imagination of scholars and enthusiasts for over a century—the Kensington Runestone. Discovered in 1898 by Swedish immigrant Olof Ohman, the runestone has sparked intense debate over its authenticity and origin, shedding light on its profound significance in shaping the […]
Are you into trinkets, baubles, and collectibles of all kinds? How about vintage and retro with a side of mid-century? If you answered yes, look no further than the Junquemonger Sales Outlet. “Junk-monger,” as it’s aptly pronounced, is located in Two Inlets, a tiny town outside of Park Rapids that my family knows quite well. […]
I like to go off the beaten path and in this case, it means venturing off I-35 to meander through the smaller, less trafficked towns. Askov, off Highway 23 in Pine County is one of such towns. Home to the annual Askov Fair and Rutabaga Festival, the town was originally the Village of Partridge, initially […]
During the #MNGPHO2018, I headed over the Rock County Veterans Memorial Building which houses Brandenburg Gallery, and the Luverne Chamber of Commerce, and the Herreid Military Museum. The Herreid opened in July 2009 and is located on the third level of the four-story former jail. Floors filled with stories, photos, videos, artifacts, memorabilia, and dioramas […]
When I headed down to Luverne for the Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener (#MNGPHO2018), I had no idea what to expect. As soon as I got into town, I heard a stranger say to his companion, “Did you see all the nutcrackers at the History Center? We should go there.” I immediately turned my eavesdropping […]
The Hairy Mosquito Trading Company is crazy, eclectic, dare-I-say cooky, ice cream shop and trading post in Milaca. It’s easy to spot, just look for the large home-made metal mosquito sculpture squatting outside. Inside, you’ll find old-fashioned ice cream, sundaes, banana splits, ice cold drinks, nostalgic candy favorites such as rock candy, wax lips, Necco […]
If you are in search of something to do this weekend, I recommend checking out Carver Junk Co’s CJC@HOME event in Victoria. Taking place at one of Stonegate Builders latest homes, the event showcases all of the incredible products you would usually find at Carver Junk Co.’s stores but staged in a way that brings […]
Hi there, Jessica here! I am headed up to Duluth, Minnesota for the weekend to bucket list and would love to see if there are places you think I need to stop! What are your favorite things to do in Duluth? Tag some of your favorites and tell me what makes that restaurant, park, mural, […]
Let me start by saying, you won’t find this place virtually. I stumbled on Big League Co. Collectibles in Hinkley when I was on my way up to Duluth and Tobie’s line was out the door. I drove to the old Main Street to find food and happened across the black plastic bag lined windows […]
Stillwater’s historic Grand Garage was built in 1882 and later renovated in 1924. The beautiful, historic building ushers you into downtown Stillwater. Diagonally from the Stillwater Trolley Co. and Tin Bins, and a few feet from Stillwater’s Historic Staircase. It was originally The Chicago House, then occupied by Stillwater Motor Company and converted to its […]
If you find yourself in Anoka, head over to the Georgian Revival style designed Historic Old Post Office Building off East Main Street. Designed by prolific architect James Knox Taylor, the beautiful entrance will have you wanting to wander the halls. Once there, make your way upstairs to Emerald Isle Antiques and Gifts. The building […]
The very first place I went after I got to the Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener was 2nd Hand Decorating and Design. I saw it on the side of the road as I set out looking for a bakery or a candy store.. Let’s face it, most of the travels are guided by my pursuit of […]
I know. I. KNOW. I made that face, too. And yes, it’s far more magnificent in person. In case this pseudo residential roadside attraction hasn’t been introduced to you yet, allow me. Molly’s Antiques and More in McGregor was on my must-see list during the Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener this past weekend. A cross between […]
Today’s #mnbucketlist addition is a personal favorite of mine because I’ve been able to get some really random Minnesota history filled trinkets. Off Water street in downtown Excelsior, just a block from Mr. Jimmy’s Bench, sits The Country Look-In Antiques. A boutique-like, rustic, historic rummage sale if there ever was one. Floor to ceiling, they […]
Leipolds Gifts and Novelty in Excelsior opened in 1971 and is an homage to Minnesota nostalgia. That’s not an overstatement either. This place is completely packed, from carpet to ceiling with old rosters, books, ‘on Lake Minnetonka’ décor, prairie and church group cookbooks, toys, Christmas ornaments, pottery, puzzles, unusual greeting cards, hunting and fishing garb […]
Yesterday I talked about the dual roadside highlight, focusing on the silo. Here is the other half of the ice cream shop / antique store, the Olde Tyme Trading Post. Same location and hours as the Silo and Judy is at that one too. From the antique marquees, coin operated kiddie rides like the model […]
If you are an antiques aficionado or if you just like browsing more historic towns then might I suggest stopping at the Staples Saw Mill antiques in Stillwater. It is located just off of Main Street and I suspect you’ll notice it right away because it’s a large gray industrial building. It’s completely jam-packed with […]
Next up on the #MNbucketlist is actually a really cool quasi antique store called Retro Wanderlust in Hopkins. If you’re from the area and you don’t know what it is, don’t worry, I hadn’t heard of it either. I stumbled onto it. They are in a white, brick garage with painted retro bobbles on the […]
Welcome to systematized chaos. I give you, Hunt and Gather. Off Xerxes in Minneapolis. Its as if a creative junkyard, a modge podge of a hoarded garage items, were actually organized. The place is overflowing with eclectic’s and antiques and really what ever your heart desires. You can find just about anything. It’s the equivalent […]
If you drive down 94, through downtown Stillwater, it’s likely you’ve seen the sign for American Gothic Antiques. It’s a; “Multi-dealer two story shop filled with general merchandise, ranging from period and primitives through collectibles and contemporary. Furniture, books, toys, and country ironstone.” There is a ton of stuff, everywhere. Shoved in every cranny. Although […]
